Tory Alexander Lawton, a 36-year-old man, was tragically shot and killed on November 9, 2014, in Pomona, California. The incident occurred in the 2000 block of Las Vegas Avenue, where Lawton was in the carport of an apartment complex. According to reports, about five shots were fired, and Lawton was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite efforts by the Los Angeles County Fire Department paramedics, Lawton was pronounced dead at the scene.
The coroner's records confirmed the cause of death as multiple gunshot wounds.
The investigation into Lawton's death led to significant developments over the years. Initially, the case remained unsolved, but persistent efforts by the Pomona Police Department eventually resulted in the arrest of multiple suspects. In December 2021, police announced the arrest of Renall Sanford-Anderson, a 26-year-old Pomona resident, who was charged with murder by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. Sanford-Anderson's arrest came seven years after the murder, highlighting the prolonged and challenging nature of the investigation.
Prior to Sanford-Anderson's arrest, two other suspects had been apprehended in connection with Lawton's murder. Kyle Henry Marende, a 31-year-old resident of Eastvale, and Paul Wiley, a 27-year-old from Pomona, were both charged with murder. Marende was arrested in March 2020 and held in lieu of more than $3 million bail, while Wiley was arrested in September 2018 and held without bail. Both suspects were awaiting court appearances in Pomona Superior Court as of early 2022.
The arrests and charges against these individuals underscore the complexity and dedication involved in solving such cases. The Pomona Police Department's efforts, along with the cooperation of the community and the judicial system, played a crucial role in bringing the suspects to justice. The case of Tory Alexander Lawton serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in solving violent crimes and the importance of community involvement in achieving justice for victims and their families.
